Looking after yourself is a top priority for many of us. For men and women of all ages, a health screen gives you the chance to undergo a complete health assessment and discuss any concerns you may have, to both reassure and make a diagnosis where necessary.
What is a health screen?
A health screen is a full assessment as to your state of health. It will help determine the onset of disease, allowing early, and more effective treatment. Advice will also be provided to help reduce your risk of developing preventable diseases later in life.
At Holly House Hospital we tailor health screens to your particular age, sex and medical history, whilst avoiding unnecessary tests and expense.
Do I need a health screen?
Everyone is susceptible to illness and so can benefit from the positive action and peace of mind resulting from a health screen. Certain diseases are more common in particular age groups and these will be targeted during your health screen. However, you may particularly benefit:
- after the birth of your baby
- before taking up physical exercise
- where there is a family history of illness such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer
- if you are over the age of 50
- if you have any health concerns
- after prolonged exposure to stressful situations or if you have a hectic lifestyle.
Who will carry out my health screen?
On arrival, your health screening nurse will carry out some basic tests. You will then see our health screening doctor who will review your medical history, diet and lifestyle and complete your examination.
How long will it take?
The whole process takes approximately one and a half to two hours.
What types of test are included in the health screen?
We will advise on the most appropriate screen for you based on your needs and age. However, basic measurements and tests included in every health screen include:
- height/weight measurements and body mass index (BMI)
- general examination including the heart and blood pressure, the lungs and abdomen
- breast/testicular physical examination (including advice on self-examination)
- urine analysis
- basic blood tests to help detect diabetes and to measure kidney, liver and thyroid function.
Depending on your age, sex and medical history, we may also recommend that one or more of the following are added to your basic screen:
- HeartCheck calcium scoring (to assess the risk of heart disease)
- ECG (electrical tracing of your heart beat)
- spirometry (measurement of lung function)
- cholestrol and lipid blood tests (to help assess the risk of heart disease and strokes)
- abdominal ultrasound (to help detect abnormalities of the blood vessels)
- prostate cancer screen (over 40s only)
- bone densitometry to screen for osteoporosis
- cervical smear and HPV test (to detect the presence of a virus linked to cervical cancer)
- mammogram (an x-ray to detect the early onset of breast disease)
- ovarian cancer blood test and ultrasound
- chlamydia examination for younger women.
How do I book an appointment?
Health screening appointments are available throughout the week including Saturdays. Please note that health screening is unlikely to be covered by any private health insurance you may have.
You may refer yourself to this service. To book a health screen please call us on 020 8505 3311.
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